Fancy domestic bliss? 10 must-have ingredients for family happiness

Family life can be a tad chaotic.

But if you follow these top ten tips you may be one step further toward domestic bliss before you know it.

Boffins have conducted research to find out what the ingredients are to a happy home.

And here are what those living in both the North-east and Yorkshire regions reckon they are:

Yorkshire

Families living in Yorkshire and the Humber spend nearly 13 hours together each week, just over the national average of 12 hours.

Everyone having their own chores, having every member of the family’s favourite food in the house and discussing plans as a couple are among the top ways that families keep their homes running smoothly.

Being able to have a good sort out was top of the wish list for home improvements among homeowners in the region.

1. All Eating together

2. Laughing a lot

3. Keeping the home tidy

4. Hugs

5. Making time for each other

6. Feeling safe and secure

7. Regular family trips out

8. Enough sofas for everyone to sit on

9. Not rowing in front of the kids

10. Knowing when to say sorry

North-east

Families living in the North East spend just over 10 hours together each week, below the national average of 12 hours.

A family diary, having everyone’s favourite food in the house and discussing plans as a couple are among the top ways that families in the North-east keep their homes running smoothly.

Being able to have a good sort out was top of the wish list for home improvements among homeowners in the region.

1. Laughing a lot

2. All eating together

3. Hugs

4. Making time for each other

5. Regular family trips out

6. All eating together at dinner time

7. Helping the kids with their homework

8. Cooking with the children

9. Feeling safe and secure

10. Not rowing in front of the kids

Andrew Halsall, managing director at Origin - a manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bi-folding doors, windows and made-to-measure blinds which commissioned the study - said: “The list of things that people attribute to happiness at home is an interesting mix of traditional processes, efforts to create a warm environment blended with the presence of technology and modern comforts.

“It’s nice to see that eating together is still seen as the biggest sign of family bonding and a significant part of what people say makes a happy home.

“Modern life can be so hectic that families can struggle to get time together or ensure they appreciate their home life fully.”